[rpo83]

Hi Guys,

The Mrs' car has just started idling rough at startup, and yesterday we got the engine warning light and reduced power message when starting in the morning. If we turn it off and restart, the message goes away... the idle hasn't been good since we bought it, but i was assuming it was from sitting for a while, we're on our second tank of 98 fuel and it isn't getting better, so it looks like it will need plugs or coil pack. Any other ideas on common rough idle causes?

I've been researching scan tools, it looks like it is well worth owning one with this car. The Foxwell/Schwaben looks like a good option, can any of you guys give me recommendations? We are a MAC household, but i could go get an old laptop with windows if warranted to run the other scan tool options.

I'd like some ability to do basic coding, the Mrs would like the speedo shown in the LCD and basic other things..

[Digitalism]

For me personally, rough idle was caused by leaking injectors. Tell tale sign is a spark plug that has a fuel smell in the tip when removed from engine.

For basic coding you could look at the Carly BMW App or you could grab a DCAN+K Cable and use INPA for basic coding and diagnostic. Can also use the same cable to run MHD for flash tunes and code reading as well.

[rpo83]

Originally Posted by Digitalism

For me personally, rough idle was caused by leaking injectors. Tell tale sign is a spark plug that has a fuel smell in the tip when removed from engine.

For basic coding you could look at the Carly BMW App or you could grab a DCAN+K Cable and use INPA for basic coding and diagnostic. Can also use the same cable to run MHD for flash tunes and code reading as well.

Thanks,

what is the fix for leaking injectors, can they be reconditioned or do you just replace them?

What plugs do you guys use? we won't be tuning the car, it will be left stock..

[Brule]

The Schwaben tool is very good. For reading codes and adjusting things. It can code injectors, battery change etc.
You can change a lot of things but I don't think it's the best "coding" tool.

As for a rough idle I would personally take the inlet manifold off and have a look at the valves.

Unless a car enthusiast owned the car your likely to have mass carbon deposits on your valves.
Then change plugs and coils.

[Digitalism]

Leaking injectors are fixed by replacing them, the latest revision are index 12 injectors.

I just use OEM Bosch plugs.

[Brule]

Injectors get replaced. If you pull them out you need a new coupler to put them back in.
Just get Bosch OEM plugs.

[rpo83]

Originally Posted by Brule

The Schwaben tool is very good. For reading codes and adjusting things. It can code injectors, battery change etc.
You can change a lot of things but I don't think it's the best "coding" tool.

As for a rough idle I would personally take the inlet manifold off and have a look at the valves.

Unless a car enthusiast owned the car your likely to have mass carbon deposits on your valves.
Then change plugs and coils.

Thanks Brule,

i've been reading about the carbon build up, i have read about walnut blasting and also found a company called carbon clean.. From what i've read walnut blasting is very expensive approx $2K.. which seems a lot of money for what is involved... i haven't been able to get pricing from carbon clean...

Is my walnut blasting price accurate??

[rpo83]

What's the part # for the plugs, is the Aussie temp range for the plugs the same as the USA?

[Digitalism]

Like Brule said, get the intake valves checked. Getting them cleaned is a good idea as part of maintenance.

If you pull the spark plugs and the smell of fuel is present on the tips then most likely that injector is leaking.

Grab some injectors off FCP Euro and replace, they also have a lifetime warranty on all parts so if they go bad you can return them for new.

[Brule]

Originally Posted by rpo83

Thanks Brule,

i've been reading about the carbon build up, i have read about walnut blasting and also found a company called carbon clean.. From what i've read walnut blasting is very expensive approx $2K.. which seems a lot of money for what is involved... i haven't been able to get pricing from carbon clean...

Is my walnut blasting price accurate??

Lowest price is around $600 in Australia.
Ask in Aus section for someone to do it. Don't pay bmw tax price.

[Digitalism]

Originally Posted by rpo83

Thanks Brule,

i've been reading about the carbon build up, i have read about walnut blasting and also found a company called carbon clean.. From what i've read walnut blasting is very expensive approx $2K.. which seems a lot of money for what is involved... i haven't been able to get pricing from carbon clean...

Is my walnut blasting price accurate??

Your pricing is way off. Should be around 500-600 range.

Forget about carbon clean, not the same as a walnut clean.

Have a search in the Aussie forum for walnut clean and workshops that offer them.

[Digitalism]

Originally Posted by rpo83

What's the part # for the plugs, is the Aussie temp range for the plugs the same as the USA?

Bosch part # ZGR6STE2

[DR-JEKL]

I had a stumbling idle years ago which was largely corrected with new plugs and coils. The vanos solenoids and O2 sensors had it purring very smoothly once I had done those after the plugs and coils.

[aaron_]

Had mine walnut blasted at advan performance in auburn. Was roughly $550 from memory.

[BSG335]

^ yep $550 at Advan and at Hills Eurohaus.

Keep us posted with your fix.

[rpo83]

Thanks for all the comments guys, i've just ordered a spark plug socket and some torx e sockets, so when i find the time i'll pull the plugs and have a look.

The car drives fine and doesn't have any issues, it has been cold up here, so i'm wondering if that made the problem worse..

[BM335M]

Originally Posted by rpo83

Thanks for all the comments guys, i've just ordered a spark plug socket and some torx e sockets, so when i find the time i'll pull the plugs and have a look.

The car drives fine and doesn't have any issues, it has been cold up here, so i'm wondering if that made the problem worse..

Where about are you based in Melbourne, pm vtl for walnut blast... you wont be disappointed.

[BSG335]

we really need a vtl here in Sydney

[rpo83]

Originally Posted by BM335M

Where about are you based in Melbourne, pm vtl for walnut blast... you wont be disappointed.

We'll look at it down the track, we live in the Dandenong Ranges, and judging by Sockets' videos, we must be pretty close to both those guys...